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Marine Larval Ecology: Environmental Stressors and Developmental Plasticity - BIOS Summer
Monday, June 29, 2020, 8:00 AM to Friday, July 17, 2020, 5:00 PM EDT
Category: Course

Location (Field Station):
Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS)

Start Date:
06/29/2020

End Date:
07/17/2020

Course Description:
The larval developmental stages of many marine invertebrates are unique to organisms that effectively link benthic ecosystems with pelagic ecosystems. Larvae are highly diverse in form, function, and life histories and can be particularly sensitive to various kinds of environmental stressors. Developmental plasticity can occur at both molecular and morphological levels in response to natural and anthropogenic stressors such as elevated ocean temperatures, increased ocean acidity, and patchily distributed phytoplankton food resources, as well as from exposure to pollutants like petroleum, heavy metals, and microplastics. For many organisms, “normal” developmental patterns are not well known, let alone how development may vary in response to single or multiple interacting environmental stressors.This course will examine the ecology, evolution, and development of marine invertebrate larvae, their roles as part of the meroplankton, and their responses to environmental stressors at multiple biological scales. Students will gain hands-on experience collecting various marine invertebrates from local habitats (mangrove, coral reef, pelagic open water) during boat and shore-based excursions. In the laboratory, the focus of the course will be on learning to spawn adults, obtain and fertilize gametes, culture larvae, and conduct empirical studies of larval development under conditions of current and potential future environmental stress. Modern physiological, molecular, and microscopy-based methods will be used throughout the course. Lectures and laboratories will cover a broad range of topics and principles relevant to larval biology and developmental plasticity.This course is structured for upper level undergraduate and graduate students. Prerequisites include satisfactory standing in marine biology (or other relevant) courses. Snorkeling and diving opportunities will be available to those students having moderate swimming abilities and training. Course fee: $4,900 (includes tuition, room and board). Students can apply to BIOS for scholarships to assist with the course fee.Instructors: Dr. Justin McAlister (College of the Holy Cross) and Dr. Scott Santagata (Long Island University - Post)

Web Address of Course Info:
http://www.bios.edu/education/summer-courses/


Contact: University Programs, [email protected]